THE INDEPENDENT

His precept was that every tub should stand
On its own bottom. Let the thing be done
By strength and purpose, by your own hard hand.
He asked no help and he would proffer none.

That was the way he was. A man of pride;
A man of strength and substance; hard and grim
And independent till the day he died.
He died alone. The neighbours buried him.


© Harry Bruce, All Rights Reserved